Persistent extreme heatwaves have swept across Europe, yet air conditioners are in short supply and sold at exorbitant local prices, unaffordable for many ordinary residents. Locals have come up with all kinds of inventive tricks to beat the heat.
Footage shared by numerous netizens shows people firing up DJI drones to generate airflow from fast-spinning propellers, using them as makeshift cooling fans. Other low-cost heat relief methods include cold water circulation cooling and DIY simple sunshades.
This predicament stems from two factors. For one thing, Europe used to enjoy mild summer temperatures, leading to low domestic demand for air conditioning and underdeveloped local cooling appliance industries. For another, sky-high energy costs deter many households from buying air conditioners, as steep electricity bills would follow even if they managed to purchase a unit.